CN105679576B

CN105679576B - Device for electrical connection with auxiliary output and switch equipment with same

Info

Publication number: CN105679576B
Application number: CN201510894589.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C.格鲁梅尔
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Current assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Priority date: 2014-12-08
Filing date: 2015-12-08
Publication date: 2020-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2035-12-08
Also published as: ES2672012T3; EP3032562B1; PL3032562T3; US9660362B2; EP3032562A1; FR3029699A1; FR3029699B1; US20160164200A1; CN105679576A

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (6) for connecting an electrical conductor to a region for electrical connection of an electrical switching device having an electrical switching module connected to the region for electrical connection. The connection device (6) has at least one primary unit (18) for electrically connecting a primary conductor to a region for connection and an insulating housing (22) receiving each primary connection unit (18). The connecting device (6) further comprises at least one secondary unit (20) for connecting a secondary electrical conductor, and for each secondary unit (20) an electrically conductive connecting piece (24) connected between the secondary conductor (20) and the respective primary unit (18).

Description

Device for electrical connection with auxiliary output and switch equipment with same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a removable connection device adapted to electrically and mechanically connect a conductor to a connection area of an electrical switching apparatus, the electrical switching apparatus comprising an electrical switching module connected to the connection area and an auxiliary module. The removable connection means comprises at least one primary unit for connecting a primary conductor to the connection area, an insulating shell receiving a corresponding primary connection unit, the insulating shell being adapted to electrically insulate the primary connection unit from outside the connection means when the primary conductor is connected to the corresponding area. The connecting device also comprises means for fixing the housing to the switching device.

The invention also relates to a circuit breaker equipped with at least one connecting device according to the invention.

Background

A removable connection device of the aforementioned type is known from document FR 2687248a 1. The device comprises means for connecting the conductor to a connection area of the electrical switching device. Such an arrangement enables the connection unit to be electrically insulated from the outside when the conductor is connected to the area of the electrical switching apparatus. Furthermore, this device is provided with a fixing element which enables it to be fixed to the switching device and ensures the electrical connection between the conductor and the area. The fixing of the connection device to the switching device is simple, effected manually and does not require special tools. Similarly, it is easy to disassemble the connection device, which facilitates the intervention of the operator. Furthermore, in the case of a multipole circuit breaker, the use of such a connection device is appropriate for connecting any conductor to any connection zone.

Such switchgear is often accomplished by adding an auxiliary module that provides additional functionality. These functions are, for example, functions which signal the state of the switching device. In the case of a circuit breaker, the auxiliary module is also adapted to signal the tripping of the circuit breaker after an electrical fault has occurred. Such modules typically require a power supply. In order to ensure the operation of the auxiliary module, the power supply to the auxiliary module is generally obtained by connecting the auxiliary module to the input conductor of the switching device, even when the switching device cuts off the current. In most cases, this connection is obtained by inserting the input conductor and the power supply conductor jointly into the same connection unit.

However, connecting the power supply conductor to the input conductor is relatively difficult and does not always enable a reliable and reproducible electrical connection to be made between the two conductors.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a removable device for connecting a primary conductor to a corresponding connection area of an electrical switching device comprising an auxiliary module which enables easier connection of a secondary conductor intended to supply power to the auxiliary module, while at the same time improving the electrical connection of a power supply conductor to an input conductor.

To this end, the invention is directed to a connecting device of the aforementioned type, further comprising:

at least one secondary unit for connecting a secondary electrical conductor adapted to supply electrical power to the auxiliary module, an

For each secondary conductor, an electrically conductive coupling is connected between the secondary conductor and the respective primary conductor;

the insulating casing also receives each secondary unit and each coupling and is adapted to electrically insulate each secondary unit from the outside of the connecting device when the secondary conductor is connected to the secondary unit.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the connection means have one or more of the following features, alone or in any technically feasible combination:

each primary unit comprises a primary cage comprising a primary clamping wall and a primary movable clamping plate adapted to clamp a respective primary conductor against the primary clamping wall;

the primary cage comprises primary means for clamping a primary clamping plate, said clamping means being movable between a primary undamped position in which the primary conductor is movable relative to the primary cage and a primary clamped position in which the primary clamping plate is configured to clamp the primary conductor against the primary clamping wall, and the connecting means further comprises means for maintaining the primary clamping means in the primary undamped position in the event that the primary clamping means is not activated.

The primary gripping means comprising a retaining portion cooperating with at least one flexible branch of the retaining means to retain said primary gripping means in their primary undamped position;

each time the secondary unit comprises a secondary cage comprising a secondary clamping wall and a secondary movable clamping means adapted to clamp their respective secondary conductors on said secondary clamping wall;

each secondary unit comprising a secondary cage comprising a secondary clamping wall and a secondary movable clamping means, the secondary movable clamping walls being adapted to clamp their respective secondary conductors on the secondary clamping wall, the primary clamping plate and the secondary clamping means being movable independently of each other;

the coupling comprises a primary connecting tongue adapted to be arranged between a primary conductor and a primary clamping wall, and a secondary connecting tongue adapted to be arranged between the secondary conductor and the secondary clamping means;

the primary and secondary tongues are oriented in opposite directions;

each primary unit comprises a primary opening configured to receive a respective primary conductor, and primary removable means for partially blocking the primary opening, the primary blocking means being preferably adapted to prevent the insertion of an object having a cross-section greater than 12.5mm diameter into the primary opening;

each secondary unit comprising a secondary opening configured to receive a respective secondary conductor and a secondary means for partially blocking the secondary opening;

the secondary blocking device is movable between a blocking position preventing insertion of an object into the secondary opening and an open position enabling insertion of an object into the secondary opening; and

the secondary device is manually removable from the electrical switching apparatus.

The invention also resides in an electrical switching apparatus provided with at least one region for connecting an electrical conductor and a switching device as defined above.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the switching device has one or more of the following features, alone or in any technically feasible combination:

the electrical switching apparatus is a circuit breaker; and

the switching device further comprises an auxiliary module electrically connected to the corresponding secondary unit by a corresponding secondary conductor.

Drawings

These characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clear upon reading the following description, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a switchgear device comprising electrical connection areas, electrical switching modules and auxiliary modules, said switchgear device being provided with connection devices according to the invention, each connection device comprising a primary unit for connecting a primary conductor to a corresponding connection area of the switchgear device, a secondary power source for connecting a secondary connector, an insulating casing receiving said primary unit and said secondary unit and adapted to electrically insulate them from the outside, and means for fixing said casing to said switchgear device;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the connection device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view on plane III in FIG. 2; and

fig. 4 is a view in partial section on plane III of the connection device of fig. 2 and 3, with the primary conductor inserted into the primary unit and the secondary conductor inserted into the secondary unit.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1, the switchgear 2 comprises an electrical switching device 4 and six devices 6 for connecting a primary conductor 8 to the switching module 4. The switching installation 2 comprises a first element 10 for fixing at least one connection device 6 to the switching device 4 and a second element 11 for fixing at least one other connection device 6 to the switching device 4.

The switching device 4 comprises a switching module (not shown), an auxiliary module (not shown), at least one input connection region 12, at least one output connection region (not shown), a protective cover 14 and an element 16 for fixing each connection device. The switching device 4 is configured to receive the current I in the input connection zone 12 and to transmit the current I to the output connection zones, each connection zone being intended to be electrically connected to a corresponding primary conductor.

The switching device 4 is known per se. The switching device 4 is, for example, an electromechanical circuit breaker. In fig. 1, the switching device 4 is a three-phase circuit breaker which is provided with three input connection regions 12 and three output connection regions.

In fig. 2, each connection device 6 comprises a primary unit 18 for connecting a primary conductor, a secondary unit 20 for connecting a secondary conductor, an insulating casing 22, a conductive coupling 24 for connecting the primary unit 18 to the secondary unit 20, and a cap 26 for insulating the secondary unit 20.

The connecting means 6 are removable, preferably manually removable, from the switching means 4. For example, the connection device 6 is configured to be inserted into the switching device 4 by sliding it along the insertion direction X.

When the connection means 6 are fixed to the switching device 4, the connection means 6 are adapted to electrically connect the primary conductor 8 to a respective input connection region 12 or output connection means of the switching device 4.

The connection means 6 are also adapted to electrically connect the secondary conductor 28 to the corresponding primary conductor 8 through the coupling 24, said primary conductor 8 (primary conductor 8) being connected to the input connection area 12 or to the output connection area.

The primary conductor 8 is known per se. For example, the primary conductor 8 includes a copper core 30 and an insulating sheath 32, which are visible in fig. 4.

Each

fixing element

10, 11 is adapted to cooperate with the insulating shell 22 to fix, in conjunction with the fixing element 16, the corresponding connection device 6 to the switching device 4. In fig. 1, the fixing element 10 comprises a mounting portion 34 adapted to be fixed to the switching device 4 and a retaining plate 36 adapted to cooperate with the connecting device 6. The mounting portion 34 is fixed to the switch device 4 by screws (not shown), for example. Alternatively, the mounting portion 34 is clipped onto the switching device 4. The holding plate 36 is perpendicular to the mounting portion 34. For example, the mounting portion 34 and the retention plate 36 are one piece.

In fig. 1, each fixing

element

10, 11 is adapted to fix three connecting devices 6 to the switching device 4 simultaneously. In a variant not shown, the switching device 4 comprises three first fixing elements 10 and three second fixing elements 11, each fixing element 10 being adapted to fix a respective connection device 6 to the switching device 4.

Switch modules are known per se. The switching module is adapted to cut off the transmission of the current I between the input connection area 12 and the output connection area.

Auxiliary modules are known per se. For example, an auxiliary module is a module for signaling the status of a switching device adapted to communicate with a remote electronic device. Alternatively, the auxiliary module is a module for signaling a trip in the event of a fault. For example, the auxiliary modules are provided with power by the corresponding secondary conductors 28.

The protective cover 14 is adapted to cover the switch module and the auxiliary module.

The fixing element 16 is configured to fix each connection device 6 to the switching device 4 in combination with the fixing

elements

10, 11 at a position enabling connection of the primary conductor to the input connection region 12 or the output connection region.

The fixing element 16 is for example a clamping element. The fixing element 16 has a shape complementary to the shell 22. In fig. 1, the fixing element 16 comprises two slots 37.

In a variant not shown, the fixing element 16 comprises a screw and a complementary threaded hole.

The primary connection unit 18 is adapted to hold the primary conductor 8 electrically connected to the input connection region 12 or the output connection region.

In fig. 2, the primary connection unit 18 includes a primary connection cage 38, a primary clamping plate 40 and a primary clamping device 42.

The secondary connection unit 20 is configured to maintain electrical connection to the secondary conductor 28 on the respective coupling 24.

In fig. 2, for example, the secondary unit 20 includes a secondary connection cage 44 and a secondary clamping device 46.

The insulating case 22 receives each primary unit 18 (the main unit 8) and each secondary unit 20 (the auxiliary unit 20). The insulating casing 22 is adapted to insulate each primary unit 18 from the outside when the connecting device 6 is fixed to the switching device 4 and when the corresponding primary conductor is connected to said primary unit 18. The insulating casing 22 is adapted to insulate each secondary unit 20 from the outside when the connecting means 6 are fixed to the switching device 4 and the secondary conductor 28 is connected to said secondary unit 20. The insulating shell 22 is made in one piece, for example. The insulating case 22 is made of an electrically insulating material. The insulating case 22 is made of, for example, a plastic material.

For example, the casing 22 comprises a primary chamber 48 to receive the primary unit 18, a secondary chamber 50 to receive the secondary unit 20, a primary opening 52 for inserting the corresponding primary conductor 8, a primary means 53 to partially block the primary opening 52, a secondary opening 54 to insert the corresponding secondary conductor 28 into the secondary chamber 50, a removable secondary means 55 to partially block the secondary opening 54, and means 56 for fixing it to the switching device 4.

The housing 22 further comprises an upper opening 58 for inserting the corresponding secondary unit 20 into the secondary chamber 50, means 60 for retaining the primary holding means 42 in the absence of activation of these holding means 42, and a mounting element 62 of the insulating cap 26.

The links 24 electrically connect the primary unit 18 to the respective secondary unit 20. For example, the coupling 24 is made of a conductive material. The coupling 24 is made of metal, for example.

In fig. 3, the coupling 24 comprises a portion 64 bearing against the insulating shell 22, a primary tongue 66, a secondary tongue 68 and a positioning tongue 69. For example, the seating portion 64, the primary tongue 66, the secondary tongue 68 and the positioning tongue 69 are made in one piece.

The insulative cap 26 is configured to be secured to the insulative housing 22, and the insulative cap 26 includes a mounting member 70 configured to mate with the mounting member 62.

The insulative cap 26 is adapted to partially block the upper insertion opening 58. The partial obstruction allows passage of a tool (not shown) for actuating the secondary gripping device 46. For example, the insulating cap 26 includes an actuation opening 72, the actuation opening 72 allowing insertion of a tool, such as a screwdriver, for actuating the secondary gripping device 46.

The secondary conductor 28 is adapted to supply power to the auxiliary module. For example, the secondary conductor 28 is adapted to be connected between the auxiliary module and the connection device 6. For example, the secondary conductor 28 is a copper wire.

The primary connection cage 38 is adapted to receive the primary conductor 8, the corresponding primary tongue 66 and the input connection region 12 or the output connection region, as shown in fig. 4. For example, in fig. 2, the primary cage takes the form of a column having a rectangular bottom.

The primary cage 38 includes a primary clamping wall 74, a primary threaded wall 76 facing the primary clamping wall 74, and two primary transverse walls 78.

The primary cage 38 receives a primary clamping plate 40 and a primary clamping device 42. In particular, the primary clamping device 42 is carried by the primary threaded wall 76.

For example, the primary cage 38 is made in one piece. According to fig. 2, for example, the primary cage 38 is made in one piece bent on itself. The primary cage 38 is preferably made of an electrically conductive material, such as metal.

The primary clamp plate 40 moves translationally between the primary threaded wall 76 and the primary clamp wall 74. The primary clamping plate 40 cooperates with the primary clamping device 42 for translational movement. In fig. 3, the primary clamping plate 40 includes a complementary opening 79.

The primary clamping devices 42 are configured to drive translational movement of the primary clamping plate 40 between the primary clamping wall 76 and the primary clamping wall 74 when they are actuated, for example, by a tool (e.g., a screwdriver). In particular, the primary clamping device 42 is configured to drive the translational movement of the primary clamping plate 40 between a primary undamped position, in which the primary clamping plate 40 is in contact with the primary threaded wall 76, and a primary clamped position, in which the primary clamping plate 40 is pressed against the primary clamping wall 74. The primary clamping device 42 is adapted to command the primary conductor 8 to be clamped between the primary clamping plate 40 and the primary clamping wall 74 when the primary conductor 8 is inserted into the primary cage 38. According to the example of fig. 2, the primary clamp arrangement 42 includes a screw having a threaded portion 80, a retaining portion 82, and an end 84.

The secondary cage 44 is adapted to receive the secondary conductor 28 and the corresponding secondary tongue 68. According to the example of fig. 2, the secondary cage takes the form of a column with a rectangular bottom. The secondary cage 44 includes a secondary clamping wall 86, a secondary threaded wall 88 facing the secondary clamping wall 86, and two secondary transverse walls 90.

The secondary cage 44 receives a secondary gripping device 46. In particular, the secondary clamping device 46 is carried by the secondary threaded wall 88.

For example, the secondary cage 44 is made in one piece. According to the example of fig. 2, the secondary cage 44 is made in one piece bent over itself. The secondary cage 44 is preferably made of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal.

The secondary gripping device 46 bears against the secondary tongue 68. The secondary clamping device 46 is adapted to move the secondary cage 44 between a secondary undamped position in which the secondary tongues are in contact with the secondary threaded wall 88 and a secondary clamped position in which the secondary tongues 68 are in contact with the secondary clamping wall 86. The secondary gripping device 46 is adapted to command the gripping of the secondary conductor 28 between the secondary gripping wall 86 and the secondary tongue 68 when the secondary conductor 28 is inserted into the secondary cage 44. According to fig. 2, the secondary clamping means 46 comprise, for example, screws.

The primary chamber 48 comprises a primary transverse wall 92 substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the primary conductor 8 and four primary transverse walls 94 extending substantially perpendicularly from said primary transverse wall 92.

In fig. 3, the secondary chamber 50 includes three secondary transverse walls 98, a secondary transverse wall 100, and an abutment wall 102.

According to the example of fig. 2, the secondary chamber 50 communicates with the primary chamber 48 through a connection opening 103, said connection opening 103 being adapted to enable the secondary tongue 68 to be inserted into the secondary chamber 50. For example, the connection opening 103 is in the secondary transverse wall 98, facing the secondary transverse wall 100.

The primary opening 52 is configured to enable the primary conductor 8 to be inserted into the primary chamber 48 along a primary insertion direction. For example, the primary insertion direction is parallel to the insertion direction X. The primary opening 52 extends between the primary transverse wall 92 and the outside. The primary opening 52 includes a slide 104 for positioning the coupling 24. The primary blocking device 53 is configured to at least partially block the primary opening 52. The primary blocking device 53 preferably prevents objects having a diameter greater than 12.5mm from being inserted through the primary opening 52. The primary blocking means 53 is preferably removable, more preferably adapted to be disconnected.

In fig. 3, the primary blocking device 53 is in one piece with the housing 22.

The secondary opening 54 is configured to enable the secondary conductor 28 to be inserted into the secondary chamber 50 along a secondary insertion direction. The secondary insertion direction is preferably parallel to the primary insertion direction. The secondary opening 54 extends between the secondary transverse wall 100 and the outside.

The secondary blocking device 55 is configured to at least partially block the secondary opening 54. For example, the secondary blocking device 55 comprises a blocking tongue 106 in one piece with the secondary cage 44. For example, a blocking tongue 106 extends downwardly from the secondary clip wall 86.

In a variant not shown, the secondary blocking means 55 comprise a device suitable for being disconnected in one piece from the insulating shell 22.

The fixing means 56 are adapted to fix the casing 22 to the switching device 4 in a reversible manner, the operator being able to act on the fixing means 56 to detach the casing 22 from the switching device 4.

For example, the securing device 56 is a clip device. The fixture 56 preferably has a shape complementary to the fixation element 16. In fig. 2, the fixture 56 includes two rims 108 integral with the shell 22. Each rim 108 includes a protruding clip 110.

In a variant not shown, the fixing means 56 are threaded fixing means.

The holding device 60 is configured to secure the primary gripping device 42 when there is no action on the part of the operator. In particular, the retaining device 60 is configured to prevent movement of the primary clamping plate 40 from the primary undamped position to the primary clamped position when the clamping device 42 is not actuated.

The holding device 60 is preferably a clamping device. For example, the retaining device 60 is configured to cooperate with the retaining portion 82. As can be seen in fig. 2, for example, the holding device 60 comprises two flexible branches 112, the two flexible branches 112 being adapted to grip the holding portion 82.

In a variant not shown, the retaining means 60 comprises a magnet adapted to exert a magnetic retaining force on the primary clamping means 42 when the primary clamping plate is in its primary undamped position.

The mounting elements 62 of the insulative cap 26 are adapted to cooperate with the mounting elements 70 to secure the cap 26 to the shell 22. According to the example of fig. 2, the mounting element 62 is configured to clamp the cap 26 to the shell 22. For example, the mounting element 62 includes at least one protrusion 114 that is one-piece with the shell 22. In a variant not shown, the mounting element 62 comprises one or more clamping holes.

The rest portion 64 connects the primary tongue 66 to the secondary tongue 68. The seating portion 64 is preferably perpendicular to the insertion direction X.

The seating portion 64 includes an opening 116 for passing the primary conductor 8 from the primary opening 52 as far as the primary unit 18 received within the primary chamber 48.

The primary tongue 66 is in contact with the primary unit 18. For example, the primary tongue 66 is perpendicular to the rest portion 64. The primary tongue 66 is preferably directed towards the switching device 4. For example, the primary tongue 66 is configured to be disposed between the primary clip wall 74 and the input connection area 12 or the output connection area. In fig. 4, the primary tongue 66 is adapted to be sandwiched between the primary retaining wall 74 and the input area 12 or output area.

The secondary tongues 68 are configured to be in electrical contact with the respective secondary conductors 28. For example, the secondary tongues 68 are perpendicular to the rest portion 64. The secondary tongues 68 are preferably parallel to the primary tongues 66 and oriented in opposite directions.

The retention tongue 69 is configured to enable the link 24 to be held in place against the shell 22. In particular, the bearing tongue 69 is adapted to prevent a translational movement of the coupling 24 in an upward direction perpendicular to the insertion direction X. In fig. 3, the retention tongue 69 is inserted into the slider 104 of the insulating shell 22 to prevent translational movement of the coupling 24 in an upward direction.

The mounting element 70 is adapted to cooperate with the mounting element 62 to secure the cap 26 to the shell 22. For example, the mounting element 70 is a clip element. According to the example of fig. 2, the mounting element 70 includes a clip opening 118 adapted to receive the mounting portion 114.

In a variant not shown, the mounting element 70 comprises a mounting projection adapted to cooperate with a corresponding clamping hole in the shell 22.

The primary threaded wall 76 receives the primary gripping device 42. For example, the primary threaded wall 76 includes a threaded opening 120 adapted to cooperate with the threaded portion 80 to drive the translational movement of the primary clamping plate 40.

The complementary opening 79 of the primary clamping plate 40 is adapted to mate with the end 84 of the primary clamping device 42 to drive movement of the primary clamping plate 40 between the primary clamped position and the primary undamped position.

The threaded portion 80 has a first diameter D1.

In fig. 2 and 3, the retaining portion 82 is threaded. The retaining portion 82 has a second diameter D2. For example, the value of the second diameter D2 is equal to the value of the first diameter D2. In a variant not shown, the value of the second diameter D2 is greater than the value of the first diameter D1.

As an optional addition, the retaining portion 82 has a non-threaded exterior surface. The retaining portion 82 preferably has a roughened outer surface to facilitate gripping by the retaining device 60.

The end 84 is configured to translate rotational movement of the primary clamping device 42 into translational movement of the primary clamping plate 40.

The secondary threaded wall 88 receives the secondary gripping device 46. For example, the secondary threaded wall 88 includes a threaded opening 122 to receive the secondary gripping device 46.

The slide 104 is configured to receive the retention tongue 69. For example, the slider 104 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The blocking tongue 106 is in one piece with the secondary cage 44. When the secondary cage 44 is in the clamped position, the blocking tongue 106 faces the secondary opening 54 and thus prevents the insertion of objects into the secondary chamber 50 through the secondary opening 54. In particular, the blocking tongue 106 is adapted to prevent insertion of the respective secondary conductor from the secondary opening 54 into the secondary chamber 50 when the secondary cage 44 is in the secondary clamped position. For example, the blocking tongue 106 is perpendicular to the secondary insertion direction.

Each fixing rim 108 is adapted to be inserted into a corresponding slot 37 in the insertion direction X.

Each gripping protrusion 110 is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding gripping groove to limit the movement of the shell 22 in the insertion direction X.

For example, the flexible branch 112 is in one piece with the shell 2.

As an optional addition, the connection device 6 comprises a groove 126 to receive a retaining plate 36 for fixing the connection device 6 to the switching device. The groove 126 extends in a transverse plane perpendicular to the insertion direction X.

The connection device 6 thus provides a simple way to connect the primary conductor 8 to the input connection region 12 or the output connection region of the electrical switching device 4 and to connect the secondary conductor 28 to the primary conductor 8.

In the example of fig. 1 to 4, the connecting device 6 is easily fixed to the switching device 4 by inserting the fixing rim 108 into the corresponding slot 3 until the clamping protrusion 110 and the clamping groove cooperate. The fixing can then be done by inserting the retaining plate 36 into the fixing groove 126 and fixing the mounting portion 34 to the latter, for example by screwing it onto the switching device 4.

As can be seen in fig. 4, when the connecting device 6 is fixed to the switching device 4 in this way, the connecting region 12 of the switching device 4 is in contact with the primary tongue 66.

After securing the connection device 6 to the switchgear 4, the operator inserts the primary conductor 8 into the primary cage 38 through the primary opening 52 and then threads it into the primary clamping device 42 to move the primary clamping plate 40 from the primary undamped position to the primary clamped position. In doing so, the primary clamping plate 40 clamps the primary conductor 8 to the connection region 12, the connection region 12 itself being clamped on the primary tongue 66, the primary tongue 66 then being clamped between the connection region 12 and the primary clamping wall 74. Good electrical contact is then obtained between the connection region 12, the primary conductor 8 and the primary tongue 66 of the coupling 24.

Connecting the secondary conductor 28 is likewise simple, since it is sufficient to insert the secondary conductor 28 through the secondary opening 54 into the secondary cage 44 and then clamp onto the secondary clamping device 46. The secondary gripping device 46 then drives the upward movement of the secondary cage 44 to grip the secondary conductor 28 between the secondary tongue 68 and the secondary gripping wall 86.

The use of the coupling 24 and the two

separate connection cages

38, 44 makes it possible to prevent the mechanical strength of the clamping of the primary conductor 8 within the primary cage 38 from being affected by the placement of the secondary conductor 28 within the secondary cage 44. Furthermore, it is possible to connect the secondary conductor 28 without disconnecting the primary conductor 8, and more generally, independently of the connection of the primary conductor 8 to the primary unit 18.

In the example of fig. 1, the switchgear 2 comprises six connecting devices 6 according to the invention, each comprising a primary unit 18, a respective stimulation unit 20, an insulating casing 22 and a coupling 24. Those skilled in the art will of course appreciate that the connection means 6 may alternatively comprise a plurality of primary units 18, a plurality of respective secondary units 20 and a plurality of respective coupling portions 24, which are received within a single housing 22.

In a variant not shown, the connection device 6 comprises three primary units 18, three secondary units 20, three couplings 24 and a single insulating shell 22. The three-phase switching device 2 then comprises two such connecting means 6, one for the input and one for the output.

The connecting device 6 is preferably transported with the primary clamping device 42 in the primary undamped position. The retaining device 60 limits unwanted movement of the primary gripping device towards the gripping position. This makes it possible to avoid that the operator has to start by releasing the primary clamping plate 40 before inserting the primary conductor 8 and thus to save time for the operator.

The primary blocking device 53 prevents an object having a diameter greater than 12.5mm, such as a finger, from being inserted into the primary opening 52. Thus, the connecting device provides an improved safety in terms of the risk of the operator being shocked. This makes it possible to assign the protection index of IP2 to the switching device 2. Once it turns out that it is necessary to insert conductors with a diameter greater than 12.5mm into the primary opening 52, the primary blocking means 53 are easily removed by breaking them, since they are preferably adapted to be broken.

The blocking tongue 106 blocks the secondary opening 54 when the secondary cage 44 is in the secondary clamping position. The blocking tongue 106 thus ensures that insertion of the secondary conductor 28 is only possible when the secondary cage 44 is in the secondary undamped position for receiving the secondary conductor 28. This makes it possible to prevent insertion of the secondary conductor 28 when the secondary cage 44 is not in the desired position from resulting in a poor quality connection.

It is therefore evident that the connection means 6 enable a simple and durable connection of each primary conductor 8 to each connection area of the switching device 4 and a connection of the primary conductor 28 to the corresponding primary conductor 8. It also becomes possible to: good electrical insulation of the various electrically conductive parts is ensured and the risk of electric shock to the operator is minimized.

Claims

1. A connection device (6) for connecting an electrical conductor to a region (12) for electrical connection of an electrical switching device (4), the electrical switching device (4) comprising an electrical switching module connected to the region (12) for electrical connection and an auxiliary module,

said connection device (6) being removable from said electrical switching device (4) and comprising:

at least one primary unit (18) for electrically connecting a primary conductor (8) to a region (12) for electrical connection;

an insulating shell (22) receiving each primary unit (18), adapted to electrically insulate each primary unit (18) from the outside of the connection device (6) when the primary conductor (8) is connected to the respective area (12) for electrical connection, and

means (16) for fixing the insulating casing to the electrical switching apparatus (4);

characterized in that said connection means (6) further comprise:

at least one secondary unit (20) for connecting a secondary conductor (28) adapted to supply electric power to the auxiliary module, and

for each secondary unit (20), an electrically conductive coupling (24) is connected between the secondary unit (20) and the respective primary unit (18);

said insulating casing (22) also receiving each secondary unit (20) and each coupling (24) and being adapted to electrically insulate each secondary unit (20) from the outside of the connecting device (6) when a secondary conductor (28) is connected to a secondary unit (20),

each primary unit (18) comprising a primary cage (38) comprising a primary clamping wall (74) and a primary clamping plate (40), the primary clamping plate (40) being adapted to clamp a respective primary conductor (8) to the primary clamping wall (74),

each secondary unit (20) comprising a secondary cage (44) comprising a secondary clamping wall (86) and a secondary movable clamping means (46) adapted to clamp a respective secondary conductor (28) to the secondary clamping wall (86), the primary clamping plate (40) and the secondary clamping means (46) being movable independently of each other,

the coupling (24) comprises a primary connecting tongue (66) and a secondary connecting tongue (68), the primary connecting tongue (66) being adapted to be arranged between the primary conductor (8) and the primary clamping wall (74), the secondary connecting tongue (68) being adapted to be arranged between the secondary conductor (28) and the secondary clamping device (46).

2. The connecting device (6) of claim 1, wherein the primary cage (38) comprises a primary clamping device (42) for clamping a primary clamping plate (40), the primary clamping device (42) being movable between a primary undamped position in which a primary conductor (8) is movable relative to the primary cage (38) and a primary clamped position in which the primary clamping plate (40) is configured to clamp the primary conductor (8) to the primary clamping wall (74), and the connecting device (6) further comprises a retaining device (60) for retaining the primary clamping device (42) in the primary undamped position in the case of non-actuation of the primary clamping device (42).

3. The connecting device (6) according to claim 2, wherein the primary clamping device (42) comprises a holding portion (82) cooperating with at least one flexible branch (112) of the holding device (60) to hold the primary clamping device (42) in a primary undamped position.

4. The connecting device (6) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary connecting tongue (66) and the secondary connecting tongue (68) are oriented in opposite directions.

5. Connection device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each primary unit (18) comprises a primary opening (52) configured to accommodate a respective primary conductor (8) and a primary blocking device (53) for partially blocking the primary opening (52),

the primary blocking means (53) is adapted to prevent the insertion of objects having a cross section larger than 12.5mm diameter into the primary opening (52).

6. Connection device (6) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein each secondary unit (20) comprises a secondary opening (54) configured to receive a respective secondary conductor (28) and a secondary blocking device (55) for locally blocking the secondary opening (54).

7. The connecting device (6) according to claim 6, wherein the secondary blocking device (55) is movable between a blocking position, in which an object is prevented from being inserted into the secondary opening (54), and an open position, in which an object is enabled to be inserted into the secondary opening (54).

8. The connection device (6) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection device (6) is manually removable from the electrical switching device (4).

9. An electrical switching apparatus (2) comprising an electrical switching device (4) provided with at least one region (12) for connecting an electrical conductor and a connection device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The electrical switching apparatus (2) of claim 9 wherein said electrical switching device (4) is a circuit breaker.

11. The electrical switching apparatus (2) of claim 9 or 10 wherein the electrical switching device (4) further comprises an auxiliary module electrically connected to the corresponding secondary unit (20) by a corresponding secondary conductor (28).